Solutions to What’s Bugging Homeowners

I want to thank you for “The Termite Report” by Karen Lindell (Real Estate, Oct. 17).

Although we’ve known for several years that our house has termites, we’ve hesitated to get it treated because we had heard so many conflicting reports about what methods are effective yet safe. We can’t use fumigation because a family member has a compromised immune system and we couldn’t take any chances with poison.

Now, at last, we know the facts. Lindell’s report is so comprehensive it’s like a complete book about termite eradication. And it’s so easy to read that one comes away with a real understanding of the pros and cons of all the methods.

It’s really true what those ads say: “Get the story. Get The Times.”

GLORIA N. CUADRA

Los Angeles

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Thank you for “The Termite Report.” Maybe it will help me find a solution to my problem.

Three years ago I bought a foreclosure home “as is” in Santa Monica. Under the house I smelled chemicals, and when I worked in the soil around the house I would have outbreaks of hives.

Finally, I had the soil under the house analyzed, and the results showed extremely high levels of chlordane. I believe the chlordane under my house is making me sick. When I go on vacations away from the home, I never have any problems. When I return, often I will have an outbreak.

My house was inspected at the time of purchase, and the chemical smell was never reported.

How do I find out how to get rid of this awful chemical under my home? How is it done? Is it even possible? Do I have any options since I bought the house as is?

LISA FINN

Via e-mail

Editor’s Note: Does any reader have a suggestion for Ms. Finn?

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Congratulations on a well-researched and needed piece of journalism.

Most of the money homeowners spend on freezing, electrocuting, fungiciding, maybe even fumigating is wasted.

Dry-wood termites are so hard to detect and do so little damage they are not worth bothering about, unless you have a rare obvious infestation.

Most termite control companies do what I do when confronted with rot: open up the wall of the affected area, cut out the rot, replace, then fix the source of the problem, which is always water. Termites are a symptom of a problem and not a cause.

I usually spray a can of off-the-shelf termite poison in the area before resealing the wall, but this is probably unnecessary, as the critters will leave on their own when the home they started is gone, and the wood is now dry and hard to chew.

JOHN GLEASON

Camarillo

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I wanted to thank Karen Lindell and The Times for the wonderfully comprehensive termite articles, which saved me the many hours of research I would have had to do shortly if the author had not done them so well for me.

BLANCHE THOMAS

Via e-mail

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“The Termite Report” was perhaps the most balanced and well researched piece I have come across in over 20 years as a pest control professional. The individuals quoted are all well-informed and truly understand the need to inform and educate the public about the different choices available and the critical differences between them.

Our industry is always aware that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all remedy for termites or other pests. True pros will find the right tool for each job. With a little research, a consumer can save himself a lot of grief, and with the right professional can enjoy the peace of mind that his considerable investment in his home can be protected and spared damage of significant proportions. Well done from start to finish.

CHUCK SEVERINO

CVS Services Pest & Termite Control

Via e-mail

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I really enjoyed “The Termite Report.” It gave a great overview of different methods of treatment, and the prices you suggested were fair and accurate. I appreciated seeing an article that was based on the facts without making all termite companies look like they are trying to take advantage of the consumer.

MARTIN GARCIA

Manager

Cal Coast Termite Control

Long Beach

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Thanks for writing on termites. The information was great. My husband and I are in escrow and some issues did arise in regard to the termite report, and your article answered all of those questions and more. Your article really made a difference in our transaction.

THE KIRKS

Via e-mail

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Congratulations on your outstanding story. Seldom have I seen such an interesting, informative and useful article in any newspaper.

ROBERT T. MERRICK

Via e-mail